FIBA Basketball

Can DR Congo get back to the top of Africa?

KINSHASA (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – In the lead-up to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017, we take a closer look at all 12 participating teams competing in the championship running from August 18-27

Team: Democratic Republic of Congo
FIBA Women Ranking: 67th
Last participation at FIBA Women’s AfroBasket: 2011 (3 wins, 5 losses); 7^th place
Best results in the history of FIBA Women's AfroBasket: African champions in 1981; 1984 and 1990.
Qualified for FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017: Winner of FIBA Zone 4 qualifiers against neighbors the Central African Republic.

History/Qualification: DR Congo used to be a force to reckon with in the late 1990s and early 2000s finishing second and third at the 1997 and 2001 editions respectively.

Qualifying for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket was a constant for them until they disappeared from the scene after the 2011 edition.

However, their return for the 2017 edition after six years is a revamp on their side and will indeed present an opportunity to return to the top.

Key Players: The Algeria-based duo of Mireille Muganza and Ginette Mfutila should play a leading role for the Congolese.

Rising star: Natacha Mambengya Teba made her FIBA Women's AfroBasket debut at 19-year-old in 2011, and she is one of the players that will lead the DR Congo cast in Bamako, Mali. Her ability to put points on the board could go a long way in helping them poise a challenge.

Outlook: In the same group with a strong cast including Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt, DR Congo will come into this one as the dark houses, a tag that they will welcome because it will take the pressure off them.

If their preparations are anything to go by, then they will poise a good challenge to the big names in this group.

Possible Outcome: It will be considered an advantage if DR Congo make it to the Quarter-Finals. They have the fight in them to do so.

FIBA